The Role of AI in the Indian Medical Tourism Sector and its Implications for Global Health Goals: A Narrative Review

Abstract

This narrative review analyses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the Indian medical tourism sector and its implications for UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). It Synthesizes studies from various disciplines between 2010–2025, examining the AI applications across the patient lifecycle – from pre-travel recommendations and demand forecasting to the post-treatment remote monitoring and feedback, emphasizing how AI enhances the patient experience, optimizes operations, and promotes healthcare equity while reducing the cross-border health risks. It presents data privacy, algorithmic bias, digital divide, concerns of job displacement, ethical considerations, and flexible regulations as the key challenges to AI in Indian medical tourism. Conclusions recommend responsible governance, strategic planning, strict policy, employee reskilling, and multi-faced partnerships to nurture an all-inclusive, sustainable growth idolizing India as a global example for AI-enabled medical tourism.